Horticulture gong for garden gurus
AGARDENING project in Widnes has scooped a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) award.
Widnes Growing Together was founded as a registered charity by Labour and Kingsway ward councillor Andrea Wall with the aim of nurturing skills and neighbourhood spirit.
The scheme was launched in June and is working to transform a disused green space into a community garden and allotment with disability access.
Cllr Wall said its growing team of volunteers have already produced jam from the fruit grown on site.
She added that residents are always welcome to join.
The project is also in the running for a Groundwork grant but needs residents’ backing. Votes can only be cast in Tesco. Three awards of £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000 are up for grabs, funded by the 5p carrier bag charge.
Residents have until Sunday, November 13, to vote.
Widnes Growing Together is the only Halton project shortlisted, with the other two entries being based in Knowsley and Huyton.
The funding would be used for features such as a communal shed, patio and raised beds to ensure that volunteers with disabilities can take full part.
Cllr Wall said, “We are absolutely delighted that Widnes Growing Together has won an RHS Britain in Bloom It’s Your Neighbourhood award. Since starting the project in June, I’m really pleased with what we have achieved and how people have welcomed the project.
“This RHS Award, comes on top of being shortlisted in the top three projects in our region to receive a Tesco Bags Of Help grant award, we couldn’t have asked for a better start and thank everybody for their support.”
Urging residents to back Widnes Growing Together in the Bags Of Help competition, she said: “I really hope the people of Widnes and Runcorn will get behind this local community project and vote for Widnes Growing Together in Tesco, it would make such a hugely positive difference in developing our community garden”
To join call Cllr Wall on 07795 390 979 or find the group on Facebook. ●